Ideal sailboat

Posted by your_childs_teacher@reddit | sailing | View on Reddit | 21 comments

I apologize for asking this question that I'm sure has been asked a thousand times. I'm at a loss. I've researched as much as I can, but I'm hoping you can help.

I live on a lake that has a \~5 minute cruise with a motor from the channel to the lake. It is not sailable through the channel. I'm looking for a small boat (as small as a laser, but as big as a Potter 15) that I can get to the lake with a motor or rowing. It is frankly too far to paddle.

Here's my situation:

I love going fast, but I'm coming up on 40 and it's not the #1 priority -- I have nowhere to be. I love pushing the tipping to the limit and I need to be able to recover it by myself, but I worry about having a motor (gas or electric) getting submerged when I do.

I like the Potter 15 because it seems stable so I don't need to worry about the motor getting wrecked, but it's slow. I like something like a Hunter 140 because it can come with a motor mount, but it's faster, but I'll definitely wreck the motor when I capsize.

I've even considered one of those Hobie sailing kayaks so I can pedal myself out there, but I don't think that will scratch the itch.

Do I have options that I'm not thinking of? What do you recommend? I don't even know if my question is boat related or submersible motor related. Any help is greatly apprecaited.

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Ok_Indication_4873@reddit

I have a Potter 15. It's faster than I thought it would be, super fun but really stable. I started with a Lido 14 but it was too open, jumped to a Catalina 22 but it was too big. The Potter is just right and we love the little cabin. I have a Honda 2.3 hp on it that pushes it right along. We've heeled pretty good and gotten water in the cockpit but it self bails. I think you'd like the Potter.

Strict-Air2434@reddit

Flying Scot, Thistle

portisleft@reddit

We used to have a DS16 that was fun enough to sail and you could easily take up to 4 ppl on it, but was still lively in a breeze. We used a 2hp 2 stroke Mercury on it just fine.

Tessier_Ashpool_SA@reddit

Melges 15 with a Temo 450

grumpvet87@reddit

weta trimeran - fast and fun, hard to capsize

0FO6@reddit

You might consider an xcat sailboat with their electric motor attachment.
Xcat Sailboat Motor

They also have a pretty solid rowing options that can be used in tandem with the boat that would get through that channel in a real hurry.

Luckily-Broccoli@reddit

In your situation I would just buy whatever I like and mount a torqueedo on it, they are expensive but worth it

camasonian@reddit

Honestly, a Goat Island Skiff is close to your ideal boat. Can be sailed, rowed, or motored with up to a 4 hp motor.

Unfortunately they are plans and kits but there are wooden boat shops that will build them to spec and you do see them used on occasion: https://www.storerboatplans.com/boatplans/goat-island-skiff-simple-sailing-boat-excellent-performance-lightweight/

_Expenable_@reddit

Those new fancy electric motors in the shape of rudders are waterproof and light enough to mount on most things

BlueNo2@reddit

My sailing partner has on, fine for still water, but not enough torque to counter current.

SailingSpark@reddit

Montgomery 15. It is a very seaworthy and fast boat for it's size. Designed by the esteemed Lyle Hess. The Sage 15 is the same boat, just slightly updated.

Whole-Quick@reddit

I have a small electric outboard motor for my tender that is well sealed against water intrusion.

The battery is removable and is completely enclosed except for the charger port and the connection to the motor, both of which use waterproof cable connections. It might very well withstand full immersion in the case of a capsize. At 1.5 kWatts it moves my small inflatable dinghy well enough.

It's a well made Chinese motor that cost me about 1/3 of what a Torqueedo costs.

Have a look at some of those in your local market, maybe that will help you get out on your lake.

NotFishinGarrett@reddit

Any more info on your motor? I've been looking for a cheaper version of a torqueedo

Here's article identifying several manufacturers. https://www.mby.com/gear/best-electric-outboard-motors-125992

Wolong isn't included in that article.

Incredible, thank you!

I have a Flowstar 1.5 kWatt unit from Wolong.

There are other vendors of even smaller units - 500 and 750 Watt units, but the brand names escape me.

CaptnJoe@reddit

Maybe a sailing dinghy is what you’re after. No engine. There are a wide variety - lazer, zest, CL14/16, 420, even a hobie catamaran. Those you can single hand and should be able to right if needed.

Hessellaar@reddit

OP mentioned it needed a motor

your_childs_teacher@reddit (OP)

I've owned and researched all of those. I've even owned some in the past. My concern is getting them through the 1/4-1/2mile channel.

I could paddle them, but it would take at least 45 minutes. And then that much time back.

I think a sailing dingy is up my alley though.

REDDITSHITLORD@reddit

How about Dinghy class boats between 14-19? There were a bunch of them in the '70s, and they're enough boat to keep you dry, yet can be pushed hard for fun. I know technically, it's bigger than the Potter, but they don't have cabins and will sail like a light boat.

As for propulsion, a cheap trolling motor and a LiFePo4 would be ideal. The system will be light, reliable, and quiet.

IvorTheEngine@reddit

It sounds like you want an old-fashioned small rowing boat that also has a sailing rig and centreboard. They tend to be rare these days, as everyone else wants a dinghy that's designed for racing. However the home-build market seems to have lots of boats like that.

https://clcboats.com/shop/rowboats/dinghies/ https://www.selway-fisher.com/Cobles.htm

Or possibly a sailing canoe? That's not as fast as rowing, but much easier to paddle than a dinghy, and they're a lot of fun to sail. Their narrow beam makes them very responsive and surprisingly fast, even with a small sail.

https://www.selway-fisher.com/Sailcanoe.htm

I'd avoid boats like the Potter unless your goal is sail-camping. I love the idea of driving it to somewhere new and spending a few days exploring and sleeping in quiet bays, with more equipment than you could carry in a backpack - but it's a big compromise if you're only day-sailing.